History of Muay Thai and Muay Thai training
What is Muay Thai or Thai Boxing?
Muay
Thai or Thai Boxing is the national sport and cultural martial art of
Thailand. It was developed several hundreds of years ago as a form of
close-combat that utilizes the entire body as a weapon.
Today its definitive origins are debated by modern scholars, as much
of the muay thai history was lost when the Burmese ransacked Ayudhaya,
Siam’s capital city in Thailand, during the 14th century.
Most written muya thai history was lost when the Burmese looted the
temples and depositories of knowledge held in Ayudhaya, and what volumes
were saved are now national treasures that are preserved and protected
as documentation for Thai culture and heritage.
(Note: Many fine books on Thai history, culture and Muay Thai History are available in bookstores like Asia Books and can be ordered online from sites like Amazon)
History of Muay Thai & Origin
Muay Thai is referred to as “The Art of Eight Limbs”; and using eight
points of contact the body mimics weapons of war. The hands become the
sword and dagger; the shins and forearms were hardened in training to
act as armor against blows, and the elbow to fell opponents like a heavy
mace or hammer; the legs and knees became the axe and staff. The body
operated as one unit. The knees and elbows constantly searching and
testing for an opening while grappling and trying to spin an enemy to
the ground for the kill.
The King of Thailand is an avid fan of Muay Thai. Since being crowned
its popularity has grown more than in any other era in history.
The Sukhothai Era
In
1238 (Buddhist years), the first Thai army was created in the northern
city of Sukhothai, Siam being its capital. The recorded history shows
that a need to defend the capital city was spawned by many wars being
fought between neighbouring tribes and kingdoms. The Siamese army was
created to protect the government and its inhabitants within the city
and surrounding villages. Soldiers were taught hand-to-hand combat and
how to use weapons, as well as how to use the entire body as a weapon.
Their training is what eventually evolved into Muay Thai and Krabi
Krabong.
Learning the military arts or “Muay Thai” became engrained in the
culture of the early Siamese people. With the constant threat of war,
training centers slowly began to appear throughout the kingdom. These
were the first Muay Thai camps. Young men practiced the art form for
various reasons: self-defense, exercise, discipline; monks even
instructed at many Buddhist temples, passing down knowledge and history
from one generation to the next.
As Muay Thai became popular with the poor and common people, it also
became a required staple for the high-class and royalty. The two sons of
King Phokhun Sri In Tharatit, the first King of Sukhothai, were sent to
learn at the Samakorn training center. The common idea was that good
warriors made brave leaders and this would prepare them as future rulers
of the kingdom.
Phokhun Ram Khamhaeng university is named after the writer of the
first ancient text of Muay Thai. It is located in Bangkok along with the
Sport Authority of Thailand.
The Krungsri Ayutthaya Era
With many wars being fought between the developing countries of
Thailand, Burma (Myanmar) and Cambodia, the development of large armies
became necessary to protect and ensure the survival of the Thai kingdom.
Young men were trained in warfare at training centers throughout the
country, devoting themselves to learning hand-to-hand combat, the sword,
staff and stick (“Krabi Krabong”). Phudaisawan Center for swords and
pole arms became the most famous of the these training centers and was
considered to be the eras equivalent of a college or university
education.
The Era of King Naresuan
King Naresuan loved Muay Thai and fighting competitions. He would
eventually become a Muay Thai legend, calling upon the men who had been
beaten and displaced by the Burmese warriors to become scouts and jungle
warfare soldiers that would eventually liberate Thailand from it’s
Burmese occupants around 1600.
The Era of King Narai
During
this era Muay Thai became a national sport, developing the fundamental
traditions that would remain the same for the next 400 years. The
Mongkong (headband) and pa-pra-jiat (armband) were both introduced and
the first “ring” was made by laying a rope on the ground in a square or
circle as a designated fighting area.
The fighters used hemp ropes and threads as hand coverings which
wrapped around the hands and forearms. A thick, starchy liquid would
sometimes be used to bind the threads and make the striking surface
harder. Now, 400 years later, TWINS is Thailand’s #1 Muay Thai equipment
manufacturer.
In the first professional fights, fighters were not matched up by
weight, height, experience or age. There were no time limits on fights;
they continued until there was a definite winner. Local champions would
represent their city or village, and often times fought on behalf of
wealthy businessmen or royalty as a way for them to settle disputes.
Losing a fight often resulted in the fighter and/or businessman losing
face. Gambling on Muay Thai matches was as popular then as it is now in
stadiums across the country.
King Prachao Sua “Tiger King” Era
King
Prachao Sua loved competing in Muay Thai. He was known for entering
tournaments in small cities and villages disguised as a commoner.
Because no one recognized him as the King, he was allowed to participate
in a tournament against several notable fighters.
According to the legend, he defeated three fighters named Nai Klan
Madthai (Killing Fists), Nai Yai Madklek (Fists of Iron), and Nai Lek
Madnok (Strong Fists). The “Tiger King” was forced to disguise himself
because Thai people hold their King in such high regard that out of
respect, no one would have fought him.
Prachao Sua loved the sport so much that he made his two sons, the
princes of Thailand, study Muay Thai, sword fighting and wrestling.
During this time the Department of Royal Boxing was founded with the
responsibility of finding and recruiting worthy men to fight as
entertainment for royalty and to become guards in Thani Lir, the royal
court. As royal guards, they were also given the task of training the
members of royalty in combat and Muay Thai, as they were still at war
with Cambodia and Burma.
The Thonburi Era
During this period known as the Thonburi Era, Thailand began to see
peace and the kingdom was slowly being reconstructed. Training in Muay
Thai was generally for Soldiers in the military and a favored past-time
for those who were not. With the country’s new found peace, the sport
began to turn more competitive. Camps would match their best fighters
agasint each other for entertainment. As there were still no formal
rules, they lasted until a clear winner was left standing.
The Ratanakosin Era
By the time of the reign of Rama I, Muay Thai had become a national
fighting art and rules and regulations were introduced. The sport had
become an integral part of celebrations and festivities across the
country. The length of each round was measured by a coconut with a small
hole that would float in water. The coconut filling with water and
sinking to the bottom of the barrel signified its end, though there was
still no limit to the number of rounds per fight. Combatants continued
to fight until a clear winner was chosen, or one person was left
standing.
Reign of Rama I
Pra Puttha Yord Fa Chulaloke
King
Rama I was a Muay Thai enthusiast from an early age, training and
traveling to watch matches throughout the kingdom. As the legend goes,
in 1788, two brothers from France came to Thailand in search of boxing
or fighting competition. One of them was a fighter of some renown and
had fought throughout other countries during their travels. He wanted to
fight for prizes against a Thai boxer.
The King consulted with Pra Raja Wangbowon, the head of the royal
boxing ministry, where they agreed upon a bet of 4000 Baht (50 Changs)
and to hold the fight at the Grand Palace at the temple of the emerald
Buddha. A ring of 20 X 20 meters was constructed specifically for the
fight.
Early in the match it seemed the fighter from France was too strong
for the smaller but faster Thai. Eventually he began to tire, and seeing
that he was on the verge of losing, his brother broke the rules by
hastily jumping into the ring to help. This caused a riot and fighting
ensued between the foreigners and Thai guards and spectators. Disgraced
by their actions, the brothers left soon after.
The Golden Age of Muay Thai
King Rama V
King Rama V realized the value of Muay Thai and did much to promote
the sport from the late 1880′s to the turn of the century. He promoted
tournaments and “Muay Luang”, also called Royally appointed Boxing
Centers throughout the kingdom, which often served as a way for him to
find personal guards or Royal officers when a fighter was victorious.
Often times the top fighters at the Royal Muay Thai Centers would be
given personal invitations by the King to fight at tournaments,
festivals and important international events. The Department of
Education was created in 1887, with Muay Thai as part of the Military
Cadet teachers school curriculum.
World War I
King Rama VI
Muay
Thai was introduced to Europe and the rest of the world during the
first great war. Thai soldiers were stationed in France, and the
commander would organize Muay Thai bouts for to boost the morale of the
servicemen. French boxers would often participate and compete against
the Thai fighters.
The first permanent boxing stadium was built at the Suan Khoolab
School after the war. They still did not have the modern gloves used
today, so fighters’ hands were wrapped in cotton and hemp. Mongkongs
were worn on their heads and pra-jiats around their biceps.
The distinctive style that is Muay Thai is thought to have developed
over centuries as the major tribes of that era (one of which was the
Siamese) migrated through China, Vietnam, Laos, Burma and Cambodia. The
Thai tribes moved south, fighting fiercely to survive as they
encountered other tribes in what is now northern and central Thailand,
and as far south as Malaysia.
The rudimentary elements that defined Thai Boxing as a fighting style
began to take root. Through training, military exercises, combat and
loss of life, techniques became precise and specific. The goal of each
strike and movement is to deliver an excruciating, debilitating blow
which would enable the fighter to quickly overcome his rivals without
leaving himself exposed to an attack. Thus, proper technique and power
strikes were a vital element in their training. Veteran soldiers and
fathers taught their students and sons the offensive and defensive
tactics and techniques, proper posture and positioning and skills to
enhance awareness. Those students and sons went on to teach their
children, and from there the core elements that make up Muay Thai today
had become a permanant foundation.
It would seem that the most effective hand-to-hand form of combat
evolved in a rather Darwin-like manner. It demanded the survival of the
fittest: those who fought and prevailed lived and taught others before
eventually falling themselves.
The Thai were constantly on guard anticipating attacks from
neighboring countries like Burma and Cambodia. The Burmese and Thai had
fought each other in many wars over the centuries, causing much
destruction in both countries. The wars against the Burmese, Cambodians
and other invaders helped refine the art of Muay Thai, teaching the Thai
combatants much about engaging in combat.
When the young men returned from tours of duty with the Thai
military, they often engaged in matches for sport and fun. Older
soldiers, being survivors of many battles and hand-to-hand
confrontations, became “Kroo Muay” – instructors and teachers. A local
fighter from each province, town and village who showed promise in the
sport would garner the respect and support of the local inhabitants. The
love of the sport and importance of an effective defense system for the
kingdom made Muay Thai a vital part of the Thai culture for the next
500 years as the skills were passed through the generations.
Wai Kroo/Ram Muay
The Wai Kroo is a ritualistic dance carried out before fighters
engage in the ring. The tradition dates back several centuries and is
meant to show honor to the fighter’s teacher, the sport of Muay Thai and
his country. The Ram Muay is a dance unique to each master instructor
and taught to his students. The student will dance in each direction of
the ring, touching each corner post with a prayer, showing his respect
to his opponent and the spirits.
Modern Muay Thai
Muay
Thai has progressed significantly over the past 100 years. Due to the
noticable national popularity, it began to garner international
recognition and exposure. In World War II, after formally being
introduced to Muay Thai, foreigners named it “Siam Boxing”, as Thailand
was formerly Siam. The French labeled it as “Le Sport Orient” or the
fighting style of the orient. Soldiers from Europe and America would
watch attentively as the Thai soldiers practiced Muay Thai amongst
themselves. They were so impressed with the style of fighting that they
asked the Thai soldiers to teach them the fundamentals and traditions of
Muay Thai. As it became more popular internationally, the rules began
to change so it could be better organized and governed like established
sports such as boxing. In the 1920′s, rings were introduced to replace
open courtyards, which ultimately planted the roots of modern Muay Thai.
Gloves similar to those used in boxing matches replaced the old
horsehide, hemp rope or leather bindings and a hard-cover groin
protector was added as extra protection from brutal kicks and knees.
The first formal rules were introduced to the sport of Muay Thai
after WW II ended. Fights were divided into 5 rounds with a time limit
on each; a clock was used to determine the length of each round instead
of a coconut shell with holes sinking in a barrel of water, and major
Muay Thai stadiums were erected in large cities thoughout the country
(namely Bangkok, Sukothai and Chiang Mai). Bangkok’s Lumpini Stadium is
now almost considered the “holy ground” to the masses of Muay Thai
fighters, local and foreign. An integrated system of weight-classes,
absolute rules and championships was brought to life in the years ahead
as the organization of the sport began to resemble boxing.
Unlike
boxing in Europe and America, Muay Thai fighters make very little money
fighting. Many will take fights every 3-4 weeks, earning 4000-6000 baht
($100), which is barely enough to support themselves, let alone a
family if they have one.
Muay Thai fighters train many hours a day and often begin when they
are 6-8 years of age. They typically take their first fight when they
are 8-10 years old and may accumulate as many as 120-150 (3 times as
many as an active boxer) before they reach their mid-twenties. Due to
how physically demanding the sport is, and how early the average Thai
begins fighting, Muay Thai fighters generally do not have long careers.
Muay Thai fighters are known for their tough skin and ability to ignore
pain and injuries, which are quite common. The fighters deal with
everything from cuts and lacerations to the face and head to broken
bones and severe sprains throughout their careers.
Today Muay Thai is becoming very popular on a global scale. It was
recently accepted as an Olympic sport, finally gaining it’s deserved
recognition. Professional martial artists from all sides of the fighting
spectrum agree, Muay Thai is essential to becoming an all-around
multifaceted fighter. As new training camps and gyms open around the
world, Muay Thai will continue to grow in popularity.
Early Muay Thai Style Training Methods
Before there were TWINS Muay Thai heavy bags, agility balls, long
banana bags and other equipment we use to today, Muay Thai fighters had
to be resourceful and rely on readily available tools to help them train
and condition. Thailand’s tropical environment garners an abundance of
banana and coconut trees, rivers and streams and manual labor; all of
which fighters relied on to become better and more skilled in the sport.
One of the most popular and well known training techniques of
“old-style” Muay Thai fighters was kicking banana trees. The soft and
porous nature of the banana tree was ideal for practicing leg kicks and
knee strikes. Fighters would practicing striking using a tree around
18-24 inches in diameter, and slowly wore it down using a variety of
techniques until it fell over. The banana tree was preferred because it
was soft enough to not damage the fighters leg, but hard enough to
powerfully strike with kicks or knees many times before it would fall
over.
Often times fighters would roll small logs along their shins or
strike them with bags of sand, the intention being to toughen the skin
and build calluses which would provide extra protection during a fight.
Hard shins and tough skin were an important part of being a good Muay
Thai fighter.
The Thai women would collect the fallen leaves of the banana trees in
an effort to not waste anything. They would use them as serving plates
for food and cut sections from the tree to form “Kratongs”, which are
small, floating decorations used on the Thai holiday “Loy Kratong.”
The coconut tree was also utilized in many creative ways when it came
to training. The Thai fighters would often climb them to strengthen
their legs, slowly pushing with their feet and contracting their thigh
muscles. The rough bark helped harden their feet, and even the coconuts
themselves were used to aid in training. The fighters would place half
of a broken coconut shell on the ground, partially fill it with sand,
and then repeatedly strike their elbows into the shell and sand. This
helped them practice their aim while similtaneously toughening their
elbows, making them hard and coarse for fighting.
To practice striking accuracy on a moving target, the Thai warriors
would often hang a coconut or lime from a string or vine and punch,
kick, elbow and knee the moving target which mimiced their opponent in
the ring.
It is also believed that the fighters would slowly and methodically
strike the hard husk of a coconut with their fists until it split,
exposing the fruit inside. This can still be seen at Muay Thai shows for
tourists throughout the Kingdom of Thailand.
Another popular and effective method for strength training was
digging a small pit from knee to waist deep to jump in an out of. The
fighter would only use the strength and explosive power of his legs to
propel him upwards and land on his feet. This is very similar to the
modern practice of plyometric training popular among Muay Thai and MMA
fighters today. Thai fighters would also practice walking against the
current of a strong stream and through thick, muddy rice fields to help
build strong calf and thigh muscles.
In order to practice not blinking their eyes when getting struck in
the face, the Muay Thai fighters would stand in rivers and slap the
water into their faces while attempting to keep their eyes open. rivers
to force themselves to keep their eyes open and not cover them as water
splashes into their faces.
Another favored and very popular Muay Thai training technique is
called the Muay Thai circle. A group of fighters would form a circle
with one person in the middle. The fighter in the middle would then
train with each person in the circle for a designated amount of time,
switching at even intervals. They would often go through 5-6 opponents
in a row, for approximately 10 minutes, to improve their clinching
skills while building endurance and stamina. If a fighter can train for
10 minutes without a break, then a 3 minute round in the ring will be
much easier to endure. The Muay Thai circle of training is still
practiced today, and is a training technique commonly used at Tiger Muay
Thai and MMA training camp, Phuket, Thailand.
